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Yesterday I was very tired and struggling. Instead of looking up Bible verses to learn from my situation, I watched TV. Please learn from my stupidity.
Psalm 34:17-20 ESV When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
One thing I did do right was I was focusing on turning from sin, and I kept trying to pray. Those things did help, but what if I had studied the above verse for 10 minutes and prayed over it?
This great verse is a reminder of the benefits for those striving to live right. The Lord hears and delivers them. The Lord is near to them. This is info I could have used yesterday.
Romans 15:13 ESV May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
Again, should have read this verse about 5 times.
2 Corinthians 4:8 ESV We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair.”
If I had studied the above 2 verses, I think this one would have given me the faith to have had a better day.
Psalm 23:1-6 ESV A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. …”
Often, we are quick to punt (give up) when life gets tough. Instead, dig into the power of scripture by using the exact verses you need to get through what is knocking you down. Today I searched “verses despair” and got these great verses
Make it a habit to “Always think about how scripture can help you solve today’s challenges.” It is a key to quitting.

Wikihow wrote: “Build a support network for yourself. Overcoming your addiction will be easier if you have lots of support. Surround yourself with friends and loved ones who will be there for you.”

Consider praying: “Father, help me to turn from intoxication, and fill me with Your love.”
There are two reasons to increase in love. First, the Bible says to do that. Second, when we increase in love the support network (that we need) will be stronger for us.

Wikihow added: “Additionally, join a support group to help you get through the tough times and celebrate your successes. To give yourself the best chances, start seeing a therapist or counselor who can help you create a treatment plan and work through the issues that led to your addiction.
Choose a support group that shares your core beliefs. Some programs are based around religion, so you might prefer a group that speaks to your beliefs.”

Even in my tiny town, one can see a Christian counselor at a reasonable price. If that is not available see if you can find a pastor or a priest.

Second, realize who can help you. Many of us have a family member or friend who could give us all kinds of advice about quitting habits. Even if you can’t tell them what you are quitting, just tell them you keep slipping into bad habits. Who knows, they may, or may not have advice, but they may be willing to do “activities” with you. We need alternative activities.

If you always slip up when you get bored tell your support network that. Then they will better know how to support you.

Third, be highly intentional in setting up time to spend with family and friends. If you are lonely pray every day about “trying” to be intentional in spending time with people. My brother is single and he “always” tries to make friends with a bunch of people. He is grumpy and opinionated, but sooner or later, he makes friends. Keep trying!

Last, pick a new activity and try it every day this week for 10 minutes. Keep trying things until you find activities that you enjoy doing. Note: always make your new activity a Spiritual experience. You are not doing that activity for a 5-star thrilling experience. You are doing it to try to implement activities that are pleasing to God. To find activities that will distract you. To form habits of “clean” activities.
So pray a prayer before you start. Say “Praise the Lord” after you wreck a pop song while trying to learn how to play the guitar. Act like David from the Bible when you try new things. He would probably do a little dance for God before he would start a new woodworking hobby.

Finally, realize that doing the new activity is the win. Finding something you really love at some point is better, but one way or the other… celibrate the win. You did an alternative activity. You are starting to do things God’s way.

We need to know exactly what we are working on to conquer drinking/drugs, today, this week, and this month. To start, it is vital to form a habit of spending a block of time at quitting sites “every” day. Consider setting a time and setting an alarm.
Second, work on the #1 thing you need to change for the month as often as possible. You can copy and paste any of my articles into a Word file or Google doc so that you have a huge # of tips to fight against the #1 thing that causes you to fall.
Third, think about the 10 issues that cause you to fall or get down. Things like anger, depression, bad emotions, people problems, or hopelessness. Take extra notes when you read articles that are about things that often affect you.
Fourth, solve today’s problems if possible. Today I am not content with anything. So, I have already prayed a dozen times: “Father, help me to be content.” I will probably pray it another dozen times. To solve today’s problems try putting your issue in the search. So for today, I could put “content, or contentment” in the search at this site. That technique often works, but if it doesn’t you can put your issue in a Google search. They certainly have a lot of advice for many problems. One can also put “content, Christian.” Then Google will bring up articles on both subjects so that you will get more information that is Bible oriented.
Every day, at the same time, consider working on changes you need to make for today and for this month. It will give you the skills you need to succeed.